Home Modification - Aging Home Needs - Dayle McIntosh Center : Dayle McIntosh Center

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Pictured Home Access Team Ivan with measuring tape and Ana marking measurements with pencil on fame, as both are ensuring that measuring door dimensions are noted accurately to create access.

Life can be unpredictable, and certain events like a sudden trip, fall, or injury, or the natural process of aging, can significantly impact an individual’s daily life and independence. At the Dayle McIntosh Center (DMC), we understand the challenges that such changes can bring, and we are committed to providing comprehensive support to those in need.

Pictured Ivan, Lead Home Access Specialist and Ana, Medi-Cal Home Access Specialist standing on access ramp outside of DMC smiling with fierce determination and support to advocate for individuals in need of Home Access modifications.

DMC has multiple program service areas which have a lot of crossover – from our Housing Services, Independent Living Skills and Personal Assistant Services, Deaf Services, Blind/Low-Vision Services and even the Peer Counseling we provide as well as working with our Community Living Advocates and Veterans. Home Modifications can turn up as a need for anyone at any time. We here at DMC take accessibility seriously as people with disabilities and older adults deserve to live the lives they choose. Access is a gateway toward gaining more independence and the freedom to live in one’s home comfortably, and safely when modifications are made to support the accessibility required.

Pictured, DMC Community Living Advocates Esmeralda and Fernando standing smiling as they are happy to provide support for consumers to gain the home access accommodations they need.

One of the essential support services we offer is dedicated to Home Modification. We believe that a person’s home should be a place of comfort and safety, allowing them to continue living with as much autonomy as possible. However, when mobility or physical abilities are affected, simple tasks around the house can become challenging and potentially hazardous. Our team works closely with individuals to make necessary adjustments to their living spaces, ensuring that their homes become more accessible and functional.

Additionally, we strongly believe in the importance of fall prevention education. Falls can have severe consequences, particularly for older adults or those with mobility challenges. Therefore, we provide training and resources to help people learn practical techniques to reduce the risk of falls in their everyday lives.

WHAT IS THE ELIGIBILITY?

To qualify for these modifications, individuals must meet the criteria of being at risk of institutionalization, having new or existing disabilities, and/or experiencing recent falls or being at risk of falling in their home. Please note that the availability of these home modifications depends on funding availability at the time of request.

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Home-Modifications can include:

Ramps
Grab-bars
Toilet seat risers
Pole supports, and more!

Pictured, Ivan using a screwdriver in bathroom to adjust PVC under sink

Pictured Left: bathroom Home Modification with metal handrail mounted next to toilet for accessibility; Pictured right: Close-up of main grey tile floor leading to Roll-In Shower. The image is a rolling shower with two grab bars, handrails, and a pony bench for the consumer to sit. Featured is a shower head extender. Material that was used for the shower walls is grey and white marble tile.

Ana installing grab bars around toilet for accessibility

Pictured, metal grab bar installed for easy front porch access on the left-side of the yellow-painted entrance to the home, and right white post ahead of the additional metal grab bar near the white screened front door. Pictured Right: Consumer shower modified with seat and two metal grab bars for entry and in-show stability

To learn more about Home Modification options tailored to your specific needs:

Please contact us at (714) 621-3300, where our team will readily direct you to the appropriate department.

: Wooden ramp with metal entry to brick front porch for accessibility; Right pictured is free-standing mounted accessibility grab bar in bathroom next to toilet.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO KNOW ABOUT FALLS IN THE HOME

Home Modification is designed to help people navigate areas of their home with grace and ease, providing security and safety grab bars for accessibility to avoid worry and anxiety at home.

It is very important to prevent falls as a safety measure – both before you get home modification and after, as all people are susceptible to falling. Falling can happen due to exhaustion, dehydration, medication side effects, low vision, or simply instability of joints and muscles. Falls are the main cause of serious injury. At DMC we believe information is power and educating consumers about fall prevention is important part of support just as much as the programs and services we offer.

Here are some additional resource links to provide additional information and educational support to consider:

From the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Fall Prevention Check List: https://blog.ohiohealth.com/fall-prevention-checklist/

Fall Prevention and Risk Reduction: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/hhsa/programs/ais/fall-prevention/Fall%20Prevention%20Pamphlet_2023_English.pdf

Infographic in blue and green. “Falls Are No Laughing Matter.” Graphic includes statistics 1 in 5 falls result in serious injury; 75% of falls happen at home; Preventative fall hazards which include clutter, staircases, the dark, things in high places, medication side effects and pride in knowing your limits.

CONSUMER SUCCESS TESTIMONIALS:

Testimonial Reads: “I just wanted to let you all know how much Mike and I appreciate your help. Even though nothing has been done physically about replacing the stairs- and this has primarly been because of problems on my end – I want to thank you for your patience! And Fernando has been there for me every step of the way offering his help and suggestions and making me to feel absolutely at ease – and not a bother. He has had so much patience – and that is so much appreciated! I’ve had so much stress these past few years – well… he’s a gem! But finally- here are the signatures, finally! Thank you so much!! ~ Maryann Palmer

Pictured: Before photo of standard shower with door on the left has a glass door near the toilet. After Modification photo to the right features ease-of-access walk-in-shower with grab bars from the side and inside the shower with a curtain for accessibility.

On behalf of my mom & my family, I would like to say thank you for your help & support throughout the process of having this chair install for my mom’s needs.

Once again, many thanks to Dayle Mcintosh Center & Ms. Ana for your support & commitment.”

Ngoc Tuyet Lương & Quynh Giao Bui

Pictured Team DMC Staff standing in group photo smiling with On the Mend Team at live event. Background features grab bar and home modification accessibility options mounted on wall.